Encouraging victory for Harwich

Harwich welcomed back skipper Michael Murray who for this game was switched to a midfield role. West Bergholt started strongly with Jack Harrington going close and Liam Springett forcing a good save from keeper Sam Felgate. Harwich replied and in the 10th minute Sam Thompson's shot was saved by keeper Luke Bethell at the expense of a corner which resulted in Matt Geen giving theShrimpers the lead with an excellent angled shot. Thompson set up Geen and Bethell fingertipped his effort over the bar. Harwich continued to look dangerous and Luke Barnard shot just wide. In the 30th minute Barnard drew the home defence and Geen layed the ball off to Murray who netted Harwich second goal with another good finish. In the closing stages of the half Barnard netted but was ruled offside whilst West Bergholt twice went close to scoring.
In the 48th minute Harrington reduced the arrears and West Bergholt tried to make their physical advantage count. Harwich defended resoultely and their younger players showed that they have grown in strength. In the 90th minute of normal time, Barnard was fouled and duly converted the penalty kick himself tor the Shrimpers 3rd goal. There were 7 minutes of added time which Harwich saw out having weathered the storm which West Bergholt had generated.

As reported by Carl Allen.